Grading the Ravens' free agent acquisitions

Danny Woodhead, running back

The Ravens added a receiver out of the backfield in Woodhead, a former San Diego Charger. He’s expected to compete with the rest of Baltimore’s running back corps for third-down duties and be quarterback Joe Flacco’s primary relief valve in the passing game.

It’s a role that the Ravens have desperately needed since the departure of Ray Rice. If Woodhead is completely healthy and can perform like he has throughout his career, he’ll fill that role with ease.

The problem comes more with how much Baltimore paid him. A three-year deal worth $8.8 million is a bit excessive at face value for a player that will only be a part of a rotation and is coming off an ACL tear. However, when you look at the details of the contract, you see that the deal is effectively only for one year with the option to bring him back in 2018 or cut him for $1.8 million in cap relief.

Still, paying the 32-year-old Woodhead $5.05 million over two seasons for likely 10 touches per game is a bit high for my liking. Given the players in the 2017 NFL draft and even other free agent running backs that have been signed this offseason, Woodhead’s deal is way too high.

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